Mc Pheeters Antique Militaria
Home Page About Us Ordering Information Links

 

     

MODEL 1908 EXPERIMENTAL MESS CUPS:  The US Army Model 1908 Experimental Cup, developed and issued during the equipment trials of the first decade of  the early 20th Century, was made of aluminum to reduce the weight, however the properties of the metal conducted and held heat more readily.  To combat this problem the cup was fitted with a handle which featured a unique slotted handle separated from the body of the cup by cork washers which insulated the handle from the cup body after it was heated.  The slotted handle was designed to accept the tines of the soldier’s fork, thus providing a handle to introduce or retrieve the cup from the bivouac fire without burning his hands.

I have the following Model 1908 Cups in stock and each is described below with accompanying photographs.   

 

No. 1  MODEL 1908 EXPERIMENTAL MESS CUP -  EXCELLENT CONDITION:  This specimen is in excellent condition, as close to "like new unissued" as you are likely to see.  Full form with no dents or misshaping, and the handle washers are present and complete.  The handle is plainly marked “U.S.”, and the “R.I.A.” for Rock Island Arsenal, and with the date "1910".  This is a particularly fine specimen of a relatively rare cup and one that would be impossible to upgrade.  SOLD  SEE LISTINGS BELOW FOR MORE M1908 CUPS

 

No. 2  MODEL 1908 EXPERIMENTAL MESS CUP -  UNIT ID'd 2ND Regiment:  This specimen is in full form with a few dents in the bottom of the cup.  The handle washers are present.  The handle is plainly marked “U.S.”, and the “R.I.A.” for Rock Island Arsenal, and the date are present but very faint.  The handle is also stamped with unit identification numerals, “2”, “E” and “46”, indicating 2nd Regiment, Company E, Number 46.  There is also a number scratched on the underside of the handle loop and at least one name and several initials scratched into the bottom of the cup – all evidence of the cup’s issue through the years.  This is a nice presentable specimen of a relatively rare cup, with the added value of having the unit issue stamps.  (0807) $85

 

 

No. 3  MODEL 1908 EXPERIMENTAL MESS CUP -  DATED 1908:  This specimen is in full form no significant dents.  The handle washers are present.  The handle is plainly marked “U.S.”, “R.I.A.” for Rock Island Arsenal, and “1908”.   There are some letters scratched over the arsenal date stamp, likely the initials of the soldier who carried this cup.  This is a nice presentable specimen of a relatively rare cup manufactured during the first year of production.   SOLD

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ordering Instructions

Identified Items  

Firearms

Edged Weapons

Saddles and Horse Equipment

Accoutrements

Collectors Ammunition

Uniforms, Insignia, Hats

Canteens and Mess Gear

Gun tools, Bullet molds and Parts

Field Equipment and Artillery

Original Ordnance Manuals, and Photos 

US Army Medical

Reference Books and Reprints